Before getting to today’s post, I’d like to take a minute to thank all of my friends and wonderful readers who reached out to me via comments, messages, or emails after my last post.
I don’t know if you are familiar with Barry Manilow’s song “I made it through the rain” , If you’re not , you can listen to it by clicking the link.
When I wrote the post, I was feeling really down and lonely but all your kind messages brought a smile to my face and warmth to my heart, whether the messages were from those of you who have “made it through the rain” or those who are still “under rain” with me.
It is amazing how a shared human experience like being an expat can connect people from across the globe, regardless of where they are from, what language they speak, or what they look like.
I really hope that by the end of this journey I’ll be able to say
I made it through the rain , I kept my world protected
I made it through the rain, I kept my point of view
I made it through the rain, I got myself respected
by the others who, got rained on too and made it through
I made it through..I made it through
But until then, I just want you to know that I appreciate each and everyone of you and appreciate the time you take from your busy days to share this journey with me
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart
Today’s post is dedicated to everyone who feels overwhelmed every morning when faced with an empty lunchbox. It doesn’t matter if you are making it for yourself or your kids. Making healthy (and tasty) choices when you’re half asleep is not an easy task.
So to help you out I have made a video with three suggestions and below you’ll find 7 more lunchbox ideas along with some tips. 8 out of the 9 lunchboxes do not contain sandwiches because I received quite a few requests for sandwich free lunchboxes
I do hope that you’ll find this post useful
Before getting to the lunchbox ideas I have two requests:
If you like my videos please take a minute to subscribe to my youtube channel, there are more videos on the way 🙂
If you make any of these, please take a picture and tag me on any social media platform, I really love seeing your creations.
Healthy back to school lunchbox ideas
Lunchbox 1
This is one of my kids’ all time favorites. Halloumi and pesto may sound like an odd pairing but you really have to try this to know why my kids would take this to school every week if I let them 🙂
Halloumi pesto bagel sandwich
Strawberries
Mixed seeds
Pecans
Cucumber slices
Lunchbox 2
There are days when you love a sandwich and days when you want anything but!
For those days try packing this lunchbox for a refreshing change.
Cherry tomato and basil mozzarella salad
Cranberries
Cream cheese
Crackers
Lunchbox 3
A more hearty option for those no sandwich days . This salad is actually a variant of my basil tuna pasta salad which is one of the earliest recipes on this blog. The dressing in the basil tuna salad is a little different so if you are in the mood for more layers of flavor, you can try that dressing too
Black beans and corn tuna pasta salad
Avocado
Chickpeas
Peaches
Lunchbox 4
My kids love sweet and salty combinations, watermelon and Nabulsi cheese are a match made in heaven, if you have not tried it, you must!
Watermelon
Sliced cucumber
Lunchbox 5
Crackers and cheese is a winner combination but I have another which might actually be even better! Crackers and labneh and if you are extra daring, add a sprinkle of zaatar and prepare to be blown away
Crackers
Labneh (plain and with zaatar)
Nabulsi cheese and cucumber sticks
Tomato slices
Apple slices
Green almonds (or any vegetable that is in season)
Lunchbox 6
Deconstructing a sandwich can be a fun way to add variety to your kids’ lunchboxes or your own.
Tomato slices
Homemade Pita bread cut into strips
You can add a little tub of hummus on the side too
Green cherries or your favorite fruit and vegetable combo
Lunchbox 7
Crackers
Cheddar cheese
Snowpeas
raisins
Apples and prunes
A small bag of cashews
Lunchbox 8
Another wonderful option for no sandwich days is a deconstructed granola parfait. This insures that the fruits and granola don’t go mushy or soggy and it is really fun for the kids (and adults)to assemble
Honey
Your favorite fruits
Sunflower seeds
Lunchbox 9
You really have to be from the Middle East to appreciate this one. In spring time, green almonds are in season and the best way to enjoy them is with a sprinkle of salt and a few slices of lemon dipped in salt too. I know it sounds like a crazy lunchbox but my kids LOVE it and so do I
Crackers and cheese
Snow peas
Granola bar
Green almonds and lemon slices with salt
Apple and plum slices
I really hope that you enjoyed this video, there are a few more “back to school” posts on their way, with inspiration for:
Protein lunchbox options
Starch lunchbox options
Dairy lunchbox options
My lunchbox survival kit
So please stay tuned and if you have any special requests please leave me a comment or shoot me an email
Chef in disguise 